Allen Storie named Director of Agronomy at the Hound Ears Club; Replaces John Tester who Retired after 37 years

Published Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 5:12 pm

June 12, 2012. Allen Storie has been named Director of Agronomy at the Hound Ears Club here. A five-year member of the club’s maintenance staff as first assistant, he replaces John Tester of Boone who retired after 37 years with the club.

Announcement of Storie’s promotion was made by Don E. Vance, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of the club.

“We are delighted that we had a man with vast experience on our staff to replace such a veteran as John Tester,” Vance said. “We are confident that Allen will continue to enhance a highly- regarded golf course maintenance program and further advance our unique Turf Care Program.”

A native of Cranberry and a graduate of the Catawba Valley Community College with a degree in Applied Science and Turf Grass Management, Storie began his career as a part-time summer worker at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club when he was 15.

Through high school and college and following his graduation, Storie worked on the staffs at Grandfather, the Elk River Club and at Rock Barn in Conover. “I have learned from the very best in the industry,” he said, “and cherish the experience of working at these fine clubs. In particular, my experience working with John Tester has been extraordinary. He will always be a mentor of mine.

Storie joined the Hound Ears maintenance staff in 2008 as assistant to Tester. He has already assumed his new duties and will supervise a staff of 16.

Storie is married to the former Teresa Holden of Newland and is father of a 7-months old son, Finn. In addition to his turf grass maintenance skills, he is a noted church vocal soloist, an avid hunter, and a dog breeder and trainer. “I look forward to continuting the outstanding job done so well for years by John Tester,” Storie said. “Hound Ears has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in golf course maintenance.”

Tester will continue to serve the club as a part-times senior consultant.